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Bilateral opportunities between NSW and Tokyo have been strengthened today with the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Tokyo Sister State Agreement, the Premier and the Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko, signed an updated agreement solidifying a continued partnership. 

It also marks Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko’s first official visit to NSW.

The first MoU marks a renewed commitment to progress and strengthen existing ties in the areas of education, sports, sustainable city planning, and encompasses new areas of commitment around the clean economy transition and liveability.

The second MoU aims to further enhance collaboration around the energy transition, focusing on hydrogen.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with Tokyo, one which is underpinned by shared values and a long history of cooperation.

“Our Sister State Agreement was first signed in 1984 by then-Premier Neville Wran, and to this day is one of our state’s longest-standing and most highly regarded partnerships. 

“Signing an updated MoU today signifies our commitment to renewed areas of cooperation and to our ongoing collaboration with one of our largest Indo-Pacific partners.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Global competition for hydrogen market share, supply chains and expertise continues to grow and we need to make sure NSW is at the forefront of discussions and opportunities.

“This partnership will open doors for bilateral investment opportunities and further enhance NSW’s position as a growing hydrogen leader.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Japan is our second-largest trading partner and it’s home to the world’s largest metropolitan city, Tokyo. This is a critical trade and investment partner for NSW.

“NSW is a part of the global battle to attract new investment and to tap new markets for our world class products and services, this agreement is an opportunity to do even more to give NSW an edge.”

Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko said:

“Since the establishment of a friendship state relationship in 1984, NSW and Tokyo have engaged in cooperation and exchange in various areas.

“It is truly a pleasure to be able to visit NSW in this very special year, which marks the 40th anniversary of our friendship state relationship, to meet with Premier Minns. And, I am very pleased that we were able to sign an agreement such as this MoU.

“All of the exchange and interaction that has taken place between our states thus far is bearing fruit in the form of today’s MoU. And, I look forward to the further development of our relationship with NSW.”

The NSW Government has introduced new legislation that will remove a major roadblock to council de-amalgamations and ensure local democracy is enshrined in the decision-making process.

The amendments to the Local Government Act 1993, introduced to Parliament today, will provide a new legal pathway for NSW councils seeking to demerge, including those that already have de-amalgamation proposals under consideration.

The amendments repeal the legally flawed section 218CC of the Act and replaces it with a clear and democratic process.

This follows years of failed policy making by the former government that left councils across NSW in limbo and failed to take into account the budgetary impacts for NSW taxpayers on proposed de-amalgamations.

Under the changes, councils wishing to de-amalgamate must develop a robust business case upfront. This must consider the financial impacts and council’s ability to fund de-amalgamation, long-term strategic plans and the service delivery capacity of the new demerged councils.

Councils will also be required to undertake community consultation on the business case.

Upon receipt from a Council, the Minister must forward a business case to the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission.

Following a subsequent independent review by the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission, the Minister may then approve a constitutional referendum with a compulsory vote, which would require majority support from local electors to proceed with a de-amalgamation.

In addition, the Government’s Bill provides transition arrangements for councils which have already been approved for demerger by the Minister.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig:

“The forced amalgamation of NSW councils was a failed and expensive experiment. 

“While the NSW Government strongly supports a clear process for councils and communities to exercise their democratic right to pursue de-amalgamation, we also have to be realistic about some of the challenges this brings.

“It’s why one of my main priorities as Local Government Minister has been to find a way to remove the roadblocks posed by the existing demerger process, and give communities the opportunity to decide.

“These amendments the Government has introduced provide a clear path forward for councils wishing to de-amalgamate, providing much more clarity for current and future proposals.

“However, it’s essential that local democracy is enshrined in the decision-making process so that councils and communities are fully informed of the financial and other implications of de-amalgamation.

“The amendments we have introduced are more pragmatic than other legislative proposals being put to Parliament and ensure de-mergers can be effectively managed by councils and that any new councils are financially sustainable.”

Bilateral opportunities between NSW and Tokyo have been strengthened today with the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Tokyo Sister State Agreement, the Premier and the Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko, signed an updated agreement solidifying a continued partnership. 

It also marks Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko’s first official visit to NSW.

The first MoU marks a renewed commitment to progress and strengthen existing ties in the areas of education, sports, sustainable city planning, and encompasses new areas of commitment around the clean economy transition and liveability.

The second MoU aims to further enhance collaboration around the energy transition, focusing on hydrogen.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with Tokyo, one which is underpinned by shared values and a long history of cooperation.

“Our Sister State Agreement was first signed in 1984 by then-Premier Neville Wran, and to this day is one of our state’s longest-standing and most highly regarded partnerships. 

“Signing an updated MoU today signifies our commitment to renewed areas of cooperation and to our ongoing collaboration with one of our largest Indo-Pacific partners.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Global competition for hydrogen market share, supply chains and expertise continues to grow and we need to make sure NSW is at the forefront of discussions and opportunities.

“This partnership will open doors for bilateral investment opportunities and further enhance NSW’s position as a growing hydrogen leader.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Japan is our second-largest trading partner and it’s home to the world’s largest metropolitan city, Tokyo. This is a critical trade and investment partner for NSW.

“NSW is a part of the global battle to attract new investment and to tap new markets for our world class products and services, this agreement is an opportunity to do even more to give NSW an edge.”

Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko said:

“Since the establishment of a friendship state relationship in 1984, NSW and Tokyo have engaged in cooperation and exchange in various areas.

“It is truly a pleasure to be able to visit NSW in this very special year, which marks the 40th anniversary of our friendship state relationship, to meet with Premier Minns. And, I am very pleased that we were able to sign an agreement such as this MoU.

“All of the exchange and interaction that has taken place between our states thus far is bearing fruit in the form of today’s MoU. And, I look forward to the further development of our relationship with NSW.”

Retailers across the city of Sydney and south east Sydney have been targeted in a joint operation to crack down on the illegal sale of nicotine e-cigarettes (vapes).

NSW Health inspectors and NSW Police officers, working with officers from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, conducted 60 raids between 29 January and 2 February 2024.

The most recent raids seized 30,000 nicotine e-cigarettes, 118,000 cigarettes, 45kg of flavoured and loose-leaf tobacco and 284 containers of nicotine pouches worth with an estimated street value of over $1.1 million. This brings the total estimated street value of seized illegal vaping and tobacco products across NSW, since 1 July 2020 to more than $31.6 million.

Vaping products containing nicotine are only available when prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. and can only be legally dispensed from a pharmacy in Australia with a valid prescription.

For all other retailers in NSW, the sale of e-cigarettes or e-liquids containing nicotine is illegal. This also includes online sales. The maximum penalty for illegally selling them is $1650 per offence, 6-months in prison or both, under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966.

Retailers and individuals can also be prosecuted for selling e-cigarette products to minors, with maximum penalties:

• for individuals, up to $11,000 for a first offence, and up to $55,000 for a second or subsequent offence
• for corporations, up to $55,000 for a first offence, and up to $110,000 for a second or subsequent offence.

Once the vaping reforms are fully implemented later this year, tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores will no longer be able to lawfully sell any type of vape. It’s important that retailers take action now to minimise financial losses and ensure they comply with the new rules.

Under Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods legislation, the TGA has issued 190 infringement notices totalling $1.71 million to 42 entities to date. A fine for illegal advertising, import or supply is currently, per offence, $3756 for an individual and $18,780 for a corporation. Court penalties can exceed $10 million and include jail terms. See TGA’s Information about infringement notices for more information.

NSW Health launched the ‘Every Vape is a Hit to Your Health’ campaign last week to encourage young people to consider the proven health harms of vaping.

This was in addition to the first meeting of the National Vaping Working Group, co-chaired by NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM, which is overseeing development and implementation of the national enforcement framework and brings together health and enforcement agencies from across Australia.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The NSW Government committed $6.8 million over 3 years in the budget to invest in a crackdown on the sale of illegal vapes and increase support for young people who are addicted to vaping. We are delivering on that commitment.

“Vapes are not a safe alternative to smoking and we are doing everything we can to educate young people on the harms of vaping and to protect them from those same harms.

“More evidence continues to come to light about the dangers associated with vapes. They aren’t innocent flavoured water, they contain harmful chemicals which can also be found in weed killer and antifreeze.

“Officers have been finding some retailers have placed products in hidden rooms behind fake walls and in secret panels and drawers to hide the devices, but we have and will continue to find them.

“If you think a tobacco or e-cigarette retailing law has been broken by a retailer in NSW, you can report this via the NSW Health website.

“NSW Health will continue to work closely with our Federal counterparts and NSW Police to take the action needed to prevent vaping becoming the next public health emergency for generations to come.”

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

“Vape products are deliberately marketed to our children. We have seen that kids buy vapes from other kids at school which is a significant concern for both current and future health and wellbeing.

“The Australian Government is stamping out ways that anyone can access these harmful products by reforming the regulation of vapes, including removing loopholes in existing laws, and increasing enforcement in cooperation with states and territories.”

“On 1 January 2024, the first stage of our reforms made the importation of single use disposable vapes illegal, except in very limited circumstances.”

“Stronger controls on the importation, manufacture, supply and advertising of vapes will be progressively implemented over 2024.” 

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration will continue to work with NSW Health and Australian Border Force to stamp out the illegal importation and supply of vapes under Commonwealth and state and territory law.”

The NSW Government says several deaths at workplaces over the past week serve as a sad reminder to employers and businesses about safety.

In 2022, there was approximately 1 workplace fatality a week in NSW but in the past 4 days 5 people have died at NSW workplaces, including:

• On 29 January, a 77-year-old man was visiting a factory in Griffith where he was struck by a forklift. The man was rushed to hospital where he died in the following days.
• On 31 January, a 28-year-old man died after falling when he was electrocuted conducting air conditioner repairs in Engadine.
• On 31 January, a 51-year-old man died after he lost control of a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle and was thrown while on a cotton farm in Narromine.
• On 1 February, a truck driver was located unresponsive on the ground of a loading bay in Dubbo.
• SafeWork is also investigating a 1 February fatal motorbike incident on a property 120km east of Tibooburra.

SafeWork has also been notified of several workplace incidents which resulted in serious injuries including an incident on 27 January where a construction worker fell around 3-4 metres from a scaffold in Eastwood, resulting in serious head injuries.

Business owners must ensure workers, especially those involved in high-risk areas such as working at heights, electrical and moving plant and machinery, are properly trained and instructed on how to do their job safely.

Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives app. 

SafeWork has developed a toolkit for business owners so they can ensure they have workplaces that promote effective work health and safety.

Further details about workplace safety including working with electricity, forklifts, farm safety and working at heights in construction can be found on the SafeWork NSW website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Five deaths in 4 days is a tragedy and my condolences are with families, friends and colleagues of those who have sadly lost their lives.

“Following a well-deserved break, employees should feel they can come back to work and be safe.

“Business owners must ensure their employees are always practicing safe work practices, and, as we head into February, these deaths serve as a tragic reminder to make sure workplaces are up to date with safety equipment and compliance.”

Planning for one of the biggest economic development projects undertaken in Australia, the Bradfield City Centre, has taken a major step forward with the draft Master Plan now available for community feedback.

The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan sets out a framework for future development within the new 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The Master Plan will position Bradfield City Centre as a centre for innovation, education, and skills development in the heart of Western Sydney.

It is expected to deliver 20,000 direct jobs and is positioned to emerge as Australia’s premier hub for advanced and emerging industries. It is expected to also create up to 10,000 new homes for the people of Western Sydney.

The proposal contains all key areas for a new city, including homes, streets and roads, city blocks, parks and open space, commercial and retail precincts, and, crucially the strategies to deliver the required infrastructure.

The development is backed by a more than $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and is anticipated to unlock billions more in private investment.

If approved, the Master Plan will outline a staged approach to more than 2 million square metres gross floor area of development across the city centre, located on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

While the Aerotropolis and new Metro line are substantially underway, the draft Master Plan for Bradfield City Centre marks a significant milestone after a lack of coordination and years of inaction under the previous Liberal National Government.

Despite the previous government’s lack of planning, development has now begun in Bradfield with construction underway including the first stage of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Research Facility (AMRF), with electronics giant Hitachi, an advanced industry hub, due to open this year.

This exhibition represents the government “getting its skates on” to provide the vision to establish and grow Bradfield into a world-class city in line with the planned opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026.

Following the exhibition period and if approved, the Department expects that finalisation could occur by mid-2024.

Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Western Sydney is the third largest regional economy in Australia, with one of the most rapidly growing populations.

“Providing better paid, highly-skilled jobs close to where people live, with the right infrastructure, is key to improving the lives of people in Western Sydney.

“This Master Plan shows how investment in the area surrounding the new airport will drive growth and better opportunities for all Western Sydney.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Western Sydney and can only be realised if we work together to ensure it benefits everyone.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This Master Plan is a draft blueprint for a world-class city that will support Western Sydney Airport, attract investment, house thousands of people, and create thousands of jobs.

“This is the first Master Plan to be publicly exhibited after progressing through the new Aerotropolis master-planning pathway and it’s critical we hear directly from the community and stakeholders as we lay the groundwork for significant infrastructure plans.

“Bradfield City Centre could deliver 10,000 new homes in coming years, making a significant contribution to more, and more diverse, housing supply in Western Parkland City.

“This is about making sure people have a say in how Bradfield best caters for the future needs and desires of residents, workers, and visitors.”

Find out more and have your say about the Bradfield City Centre master plan